The essential guide to one of the world's most diverse and fascinating faiths with a Foreword
by Amartya SenK. M. Sen discusses the evolution of Hinduism's central systems of belief and
codes of conduct as well as popular cults and sects such as Bhakti Tantrika and the mystics
of North India and describes the varying incarnations of its supreme deity Krishna and Rama
among them. He recounts its history from the Indus Valley civilization c.2500 BC and the Vedic
age nature gods to its relationship with Buddhism and Jainism and the impact of western
culture. And he describes the day-to-day practice of Hinduism - customs festivals and rituals
the caste system and its philosophies and exponents. The author's grandson Professor Amartya
Sen brings his work right up to date examining the role of Hinduism in the world today.
